How much should i spend on a bow Options

[TRACY]

Before you make a choice, try a John W Stagg Bow.

Is he on the Christmas steps? I have heard good things about him, too.

Yes, that's the one (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[viola-mad]

Before you make a choice, try a John W Stagg Bow. Although in Bristol he sends bows out on approval. I think we tried 3. Although on website he says bows start from ?1,800, he does have student bows (which means that there are slight imperfections in grain of wood which prevent him from putting a premium on cost and therefore fittings although excellent quality are not as superior as he puts on pricier bows) I think student bows come in at approx ?1,000 and come with a free bow case.

After trying lots of bows, nothing could touch these. Do not let the name student bow put you off, this has no meaning to the playability but understand many conservatoire students would purchase these becuase of price, as they are made in exactly the same way as his other bows, but materials used have more to do with the price. The flaws in the grain of wood are very subtle and not noticeable unless you look carefully. Drop him an email, he is always quick to reply. I could be wrong but think he used to be a bowmaker for Hills.

I'd just like to underscore everything Tracy says above. I love my John Stagg bow. Yes, he did used to be a Hills bowmaker. And in case you see any of them around, some of his bows are stamped Joubert (he did explain why but I've forgotten, it was something to do with his wife I think).